Multiple fiber splice element and connector

ABSTRACT

A duplex fiber optic splice has a fiber-receiving element, two clamping elements covering opposite faces of the fiber-receiving element, and a spring element. A bearing key may be inserted into a bearing channel in the fiber-receiving element and rotated resulting in resilient disengagement of each of said clamping faces from said fiber-receiving element face. The resilient disengagement of the clamping elements are independent of each other. The splice assembly may be used alone or in conjunction with an array ferrule, pre-terminated with a fiber stub, and a housing to provide an adhesiveless field terminable connector.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to re-enterable splicers and moreparticularly to re-enterable splicers for use in terminating to aseparable interface that accommodates multiple fibers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A re-enterable fiber optic splice having complementary clam-shellhalves joined on one side is known. An example of such a splice isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,456 in which the two complementaryhalves have a fiber-receiving channel for retaining a fiber and anaperture into which a tool may be inserted. The complementary halvesfunction as a double cantilever spring clamp to hold the fiber in thefiber-receiving channel. The double cantilever spring permitsinstallation of the fiber when the tool inserted in the aperture is usedto overcome the clamping force of the spring clamps to slightly enlargethe diameter of the fiber-receiving channel. A re-enterable fiber opticsplice for a dual fiber and multiple fiber ribbon using a similar toolfor fiber installation is also known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,440,657 and5,450,517.

[0003] The duplex fiber optic splice finds applications in the datacommunications area for premise wiring and fiber to the desk. For eachcommunications device, for example a computer, there is one fiber forincoming data transfer and one fiber for outgoing data transfer. Asusers have come to expect, when networking a communications device, oneplugs into a mating wall outlet or patch panel, a connector attached toa cable coming from the computer. The duplex configuration, therefore,is a logical grouping for a single reusable connection to a datacommunications device. Advantageously, known duplex fiber optic splicesprovide a re-enterable fiber optic termination with acceptableinterconnection performance. Disadvantageously, the splices may beawkward to terminate because the fibers are not independently actuated.There is a need, therefore, for independently actuated fibers in aduplex splice.

[0004] As most buildings currently have copper based wiring and existingwall outlets and patch panels, it is desirable that a fiber optictermination device permit retrofitting of existing copper basedconnectors with fiber optic connectors. It is further desirable thatinstallations require a minimum of time, effort, and likelihood ofinstallation error. In order to address some of these needs, there isknown a splice element having a mating connector at one end and thesplicing termination at the other. Such a splicer-connector is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,594 for a simplex or single fiber connection inwhich a fiber stub is terminated in a ferrule. The ferrule isoperatively associated with a coupling member capable of separableinterconnection with a mating connector. The fiber stub is receivedwithin the splice assembly for splicing to a bare fiber. Advantageously,the splicer-connector that is disclosed in the '594 patent produces anoptical fiber apparatus having a separable interface, wherein theoptical fiber apparatus can be mechanically terminated in the field by acleaved and unpolished fiber. The disclosed splicer-connectoraccommodates a single fiber providing a separable interconnection with asingle filter ferrule. There remains a need, however, for a mechanicallyterminated optical fiber connector that provides a separableinterconnection with a fiber array ferrule.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of a fiber optic connector according to theteachings of the present invention that a mechanically terminatedseparable interconnection can be made to a fiber array ferrule.

[0006] It is an object of a fiber optic splice according to theteachings of the present invention that a fiber optic connector has amatable interface and can be installed with a minimum amount of time andeffort and likelihood of error.

[0007] A fiber optic splice element comprises a fiber-receiving elementhaving opposite faces, first and second ends, and first and secondsides. Each face has at least one elongate fiber channel extending fromthe first end to the second end. Each face also has an elongate bearingchannel extending from the first side. The splice element also comprisesa clamping element having a clamping face and a spring face oppositeeach other and first and second sides. The clamping element covers atleast a portion of each elongate channel. The splice further comprises asplice spring for imparting opposing normal forces on the spring facesof the clamping elements and along the first side of the fiber-receivingelement. The spring permits independent resilient disengagement of eachclamping face from the fiber-receiving element face.

[0008] It is a feature of a fiber optic splice according to theteachings of the present invention that a multiple fiber splice hasindependent fiber actuation.

[0009] It is an advantage of a splice according to the teachings of thepresent invention that a duplex configuration has independently actuatedfibers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way ofexample and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a disassembled perspective view of a fiber optic spliceand connector according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a disassembled perspective view of a fiber optic spliceassembly according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of a fiber optic duplexsplice and connector according to the teachings of the presentinvention.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a fiber opticduplex splice and connector according to the teachings of the presentinvention shown with a mating connector and a splice assembly shown inphantom view.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a plan cross sectional view of a fiber optic splice andconnector according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a fiber optic splice andconnector according to the teachings of the present invention as takenalong the lines 6--6 of FIG. 5.

[0017]FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a fiber optic splice andconnector according to the teachings of the present invention as takenalong the lines 7--7 of FIG. 5.

[0018]FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a fiber optic splice andconnector according to the teachings of the present invention asinstalled in a wall outlet.

[0019]FIG. 9 is a plan view of a partial bearing key for use with asplice and connector according to the teachings of the presentinvention.

[0020]FIG. 10 is a plan view of a full bearing key for use with a spliceand connector according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 11 is a disassembled perspective view of a fiber opticconnector and splice according to the teachings of the presentinvention.

[0022]FIG. 12 is an assembled perspective view of the fiber opticconnector and splice shown in FIG. 11.

[0023]FIG. 13 is a disassembled perspective view of the splicesub-assembly shown in FIG. 11 according to the teachings of the presentinvention.

[0024]FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the fiber optic connectorshown in FIG. 11.

[0025]FIGS. 15 and 16 are cross sectional views of the fiber opticconnector shown in FIG. 11 taken along planes 15--15 and 16--16respectively shown in FIG. 14.

[0026] FIGS. 17-21 are perspective, perspective disassembled, and crosssectional views respectively of a pin keeper according to the teachingsof the present invention.

[0027] FIGS. 22-24 are perspective views of a second embodiment of a pinkeeper according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0028] FIGS. 25-27 are perspective views and a cross sectional view of athird embodiment of a pin keeper according to the teachings of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0029] With specific reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, thereis shown parts of a splice assembly 1 according to the teachings of afirst embodiment of the present invention that is particularly wellsuited for installation into a wall mount. The splice assembliesdisclosed receive an optical fiber (not shown) that is stripped toexpose either a 900 micron buffered portion, a 250 micron coatedportion, and 125 micron bare fiber or the 250 micron portion and the 125micron bare fiber. The splice assembly 1 comprises a generally planar,rectangular fiber-receiving element 3 having two planar faces 5 oppositeeach other, first and second ends 6,7, and first and second sides 8,9.Each face 5 has an elongate fiber channel 10 comprising a V-grooveextending the entire length of the planar face 5 from the first end 6 tothe second end 7. The V-groove at each of the first and second ends 6,7widens to create a lead-in 40 to aid threaded installation of the fibersto be installed in the fiber channel 10 from an axial direction. Eachface 5 also has a semi-rectangular elongate bearing channel 11 extendingthe entire length of the planar face 5 from said first end 6 to saidsecond end 7 of the fiber-receiving element 3. The elongate bearingchannel 11 creates an actuation entrance 4 on the first and second ends6,7. The splice assembly 1 further comprises a generally planar,rectangular clamping element 14 having a clamping face 15 and a springface 16 and first and second sides 17,18 respectively. As shown in FIG.2 of the drawings, the clamping face 15 and the spring face 16 areopposite each other. The clamping face 15 of the clamping element 14 ispositioned against each face 5 of the fiber-receiving element 3 andcovers the elongate fiber channel 10 as well as the elongate bearingchannel 11. The fiber-receiving element 3 and two clamping elements 14are positioned adjacent each other and aligned along the first sides8,17 of both the fiber-receiving element 3 and the clamping elements 14.The fiber-receiving channel 10 together with the clamping face 15, whichalso includes a V-groove fiber channel, provides an enclosed spacehaving four points of contact to the installed fiber. The four points ofcontact provide for accurate alignment of a core of the fiber andpositive retention of the fiber along the length of the fiber-receivingelement 3. Alternatively, the clamping face 15 of the clamping element14 may be planar opposite the fiber channel 10 to provide three pointsof contact to the installed fiber. The clamping element 14 also providesan enclosed space for the bearing channel 11. A bearing key 60,61,having a generally complementary rectangular cross section is insertedinto the bearing channel 11 for installation and removal of the fiber inthe fiber channel 10. The first and second sides 8,9 of thefiber-receiving element 3 are longer than the first and second sides17,18 of the clamping elements 14. The first and second ends 6,7 of thefiber-receiving element 3 are longer in length than the first and secondends 19,20 as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings.

[0030] The fiber optic splice assembly 1 further comprises a holdingblock 21 captivating the fiber-receiving element 3 and the clampingelements 14 and retaining them in a fixed side by side relativedisposition. The holding block 21 comprises two complementaryinterlocking holding block halves for ease of assembly and positioningabout the fiber-receiving element 3 and the clamping elements 14. Theholding block 21 interlocks along a first side of the holding block 21and is open along a second side of the holding block. The holding block21 further comprises a first portion 22 having a fiber-receiving elementshelf 27 and a clamping element shelf 28. The first side 8 of thefiber-receiving element 3 rests against the fiber-receiving shelf 27which serves to retain and position the fiber-receiving element 3 withinthe holding block 21. The first side 17 of each clamping element 14rests against each clamping element shelf 28 which serves to retain andposition the clamping elements 14 relative to the fiber-receivingelement 3 and the holding block 21. A first portion 22 of the holdingblock 21 further comprises an external spring recess 29. A generallyU-shaped metal splice spring 37 is positioned in the spring recess 29.The enclosed portion of the splice spring 37 is positioned along a firstside 47 of the holding block 21. The splice spring 37 provides opposingnormal forces toward a spring face 16 of the clamping elements 14 alongthe length of the first sides 8,17 of the fiber-receiving element 3 andthe clamping elements 14. By virtue of the non-opening first side 47 ofthe holding block 21 and opening second side 48 of the holding block,the holding block 21 and splice spring 37 creates a double cantileverstructure. A similar double cantilever structure is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,121,456 the teachings of which are specifically incorporatedby reference herein. The open portion of the splice spring 37 permitsindependent resilient disengagement of each of the clamping faces 15from respective fiber-receiving element faces 5 upon insertion androtation of the bearing key 60 or 61 in each of the bearing channels 11.The holding block 21 further comprises a second portion 23 having asecond spring recess 30 for positioning a generally U-shaped metalsecond spring 38. The first portion 22 is integral, but partiallyisolated from the second portion 23 by an isolation slot parallel to thefirst end 6 that extends from the second side 48 of the holding block 21to a position short of the first side 47 of the holding block. Thesecond portion 23 of the holding block 21 further comprises a bufferclamping element 24. In a duplex embodiment, the buffer clamping element24 comprises an aperture sized to receive and grip two 900 microndiameter buffered fibers as shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings. The bufferclamping element 24 is aligned with the fiber channel lead-in 25 in thefirst portion 22. The buffer clamping element 24, the fiber channellead-in 25, and the fiber channel 10 are coaxial with each other. Thesecond portion 23 of the holding block 21 further comprises an actuationaperture 26 access aligned with the actuation aperture in the first end6 of the fiber-receiving element 3.

[0031] Assembly of the splice assembly comprises the steps of aligningthe clamping elements 14 against each face 5 of the fiber-receivingelement 3. In the disclosed embodiment, the fiber-receiving element 3 isa single piece with identical opposite faces 5, each face 5 including afiber channel 10 and a bearing channel 11. An alternate embodimentincludes two pieces, each piece having a flat face and a face with thefiber channel 10 and bearing channel 11 placed adjacent each other tocreate the fiber-receiving element 3. Another alternate embodimentincludes a fiber-receiving element with more than one fiber channel 10thereon to accommodate additional fibers. After the clamping elements 14are positioned against the fiber-receiving elements 3 they are pinnedtogether along the first side 8,17. Two interlocking halves of theholding block 21 are positioned to enclose the fiber-receiving element 3and clamping elements 14, the fiber-receiving element 3 resting on thefiber-receiving element shelf 27 and each clamping element 14 resting onthe clamping element shelves 28, and snapped into position. The splicespring 37 is positioned over the splice spring recess 29 in the firstportion 22 of the holding block 21 and the second spring 38 ispositioned over the second spring recess 30 in the second portion 23 ofthe holding block 21. This completes a splice assembly according to theteachings of the present invention.

[0032] Installation of two mating fibers (or a fiber and a fiber stub)in the splice is performed by use of one of the bearing keys 60,61 whichis inserted into the bearing channel 11 through the actuation apertureand rotated 90 degrees. The rectangular cross section of the bearing key60,61 causes a slight resilient disengagement of the clamping element 14from the fiber-receiving element 3 upon rotation of the key. Thedisengagement is sufficient to insert and freely position the fiber inthe fiber channel 10. Due to the longer length of the first and secondends 6,7 of the fiber-receiving element 3 as compared to the first andsecond ends 19,20 of the clamping elements 14, when the bearing key60,61 is rotated, the disengagement of the clamping element 14 is causedby movement of the clamping element 14 only. The fiber-receiving element3 remains stationary assuring the constancy of the fiber to fibercenterline spacing along the length of the fiber-receiving element 3.Upon appropriate placement of the fiber in the splice, the bearing key60,61 is rotated 90 degrees to the starting position. Due to theresiliency of the splice assembly, the clamping element 14 returns toits original engaged position upon rotation of the bearing key 60,61 toactuate the fiber in the splice assembly 1. In a first embodiment, twomating fibers are installed at either end 6,7 of the splice using thebearing key 60,61 inserted into each end to disengage the clampingelement 14 at each end 6,7. As disclosed, two different bearing keys60,61 may be used. A full bearing key 60, as shown in FIG. 10 of thedrawings, having a length at least as long as the length of thefiber-receiving element 3 may be inserted into the bearing channel 11and used to open the entire fiber channel 10. When the fiber channel 10is open using the full bearing key 60, a second fiber may be insertedinto the second end 7 even though the full bearing key 60 is insertedinto the first end 6 only. A partial bearing key 61, as shown in FIG. 9of the drawings, having a length of approximately half of the length ofthe bearing channel 11 is used to open the portion of the fiber channel10, permitting a first fiber to be inserted into the first end 6 whilethe second fiber remains stationary.

[0033] The splice assembly thus described finds use as a splice in afield terminable connector assembly. A connector assembly according tothe teachings of the present invention further comprises housing 34, anarray ferrule 50, and a connector housing 70. With specific reference toFIGS. 3, 4 and 5 of the drawings, there is shown the housing 34, whichcomprises a splice housing 35 and a ferrule alignment housing 36. Thehousing 34 is disclosed as a two piece part, but the housing 34 may be asingle unitary piece or include additional multiple pieces, themechanical details of which are within the capability of one of ordinaryskill in the art. The splice housing 35 holds the splice assembly 1. Theholding block 21 of the splice assembly 1 comprises first and secondalignment rails 31,32 protruding from the holding block 21 in adirection perpendicular to the fiber channel 10. The splice housing 35has corresponding first and second alignment channels 42,43 to receivethe first and second alignment rails 31,32 to retain the splice assembly1 in the splice housing 35. The splice housing 35 has two sets of screwholes for attachment of the splice housing 35 to the ferrule alignmenthousing 36 and connector housing 70. The ferrule alignment housing 36comprises a portion to which the splice housing 35 is attached and aferrule alignment channel 45. The ferrule alignment channel 45 is sizedto receive a mini-MT duplex fiber array ferrule 50 having two bores (notshown) for receiving and holding two fibers, a mating face 52, and anon-mating end 53. The ferrule 50 further comprises two precision guidepins 55 held by a guide pin stand off 56. The guide pins 55 protrudefrom the mating face 52 of the ferrule 50 for proper alignment with amating ferrule 71 and are held by the guide pin stand off 56 positionedat the non-mating end 53 of the ferrule 50. A mating connector has acomplimentary set of guide pin holes that receive the guide pins.Accordingly, as one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates, the guidepin stand off 56 need not actually hold two guide pins. Conceptually,the guide pin stand off can hold one or no guide pins. The actual guidepin configuration depends upon the guide pin configuration of the matingconnector, it being important that the guide pin configurations becomplementary. A fiber stub (not shown) is terminated in each of thefiber bores 51 of the ferrule 50 and polished to a mating finish at themating face 52. A length of the fiber stub extends out of the non-matingend of the ferrule 50 and through a fiber access in the guide pin standoff 56. Each length of fiber is positioned in a respective one of thefiber channels 10. Index matching gel is also disposed in the fiberchannel 10 in the particular area of the end of the fiber stub. Thesplice housing 35 and ferrule alignment housing 36 retain the spliceassembly 1 and terminated ferrule 50 in proper adjacent positioning withthe fiber-receiving bores 51 aligned with the second fiber entrance 13.Assembly of the field terminable duplex fiber optic connector comprisesthe steps of assembling the splice assembly 1 as previously disclosed.The ferrule 50 is then assembled separately with the guide pins 55 andguide pin stand off 56. Two lengths of fiber stub are prepared andthreaded into each one of the two fiber bores 51 and are fixed in placewith an epoxy. During curing of the epoxy, a shim is placed between thefiber stubs to splay the fibers centerline spacing from approximately750 micron spacing in the ferrule to approximately 900 micron spacing inthe fiber-receiving element 3. The mating face 52 of the terminatedferrule 50 is then polished. Two full bearing keys 61 are inserted intothe bearing channels and rotated to open the fiber channels in thesplice assembly. Each remaining length of fiber stub extending from thenon-mating end 53 of the ferrule 50 is then inserted into each fiberchannel 10 until the guide pin stand off 56 rests against the second end7 of the fiber-receiving element 3 and splice assembly 1. Index matchinggel is deposited in the fiber channel 10 and the full bearing tools 61are rotated 90 degrees to a closed position. The terminated ferrule 50and splice assembly 1 are inserted into the ferrule alignment housing 36and splice housing 35, respectively by positioning the alignment rails31, 32 into the alignment channel 42,43. The splice housing 35 is thenscrewed to the ferrule alignment housing 36. The housing 34 is thenattached to the connector housing 70. In the disclosed embodiment, theconnector housing 70 has an external geometry to permit latchableattachment of the connector housing 70 together with the housing 34,ferrule 50, and splice assembly 1 to a known patch panel or wall mountedoutlet, such as the AMP 110 Connect Blocks as shown in FIG. 8 of thedrawings. As shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings, the connector housing 70has an internal geometry that permits latchable attachment of a fiberoptic connector using a mating fiber optic array ferrule 71 having asingle cantilevered attachment latch. Any mating geometry is possibleand is still within the scope of the teachings of the present invention.The ferrule 50 is positioned inside ferrule alignment housing and doesnot extend all of the way through. There is a recess, therefore, havingthe same cross section as the periphery of the ferrule 50. The matingferrule 71 is received by the alignment channel 45 for initial coarsealignment with the ferrule 50. The precision alignment of the ferrules50,71 is accomplished via the guide pins 55 in the ferrule 50 beingreceived by complementary guide pin holes in the mating ferrule 71.

[0034] With specific reference to FIGS. 11-13 of the drawings, there isshown an alternate embodiment of the present invention that isparticularly well suited to a patch panel environment. The alternateembodiment shown comprises a splice assembly 1′ which is similar to thesplice disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,456 the contents ofwhich are specifically incorporated by reference herein. The splicedisclosed in the '456 patent accommodates splice of a single fiber toanother single fiber and has been altered for purposes of the presentinvention. One alteration is to use the splice as a terminatinginterface for a connector jack having a pre-polished ferrule. Anadditional adaptation is to provide for accommodation of at least twoindependent splices in side by side relation. The alteration includesprovision of mirror image geometry on each of two sides of a singlepolymer body to create a fiber-receiving element 3′. Two polymer bodyhalves (herein referred to as opposite holding plates 21′) arestructured as mirror images of each other and are disposed againstplanar faces 5′ of the fiber-receiving element 3′. The altered splicefor purposes of the present invention includes identical function andstructure on its opposite sides. For this reason, the remaining writtendescription of the splice structure is limited to a single side.

[0035] An aluminum first clamping element half 73 is disposed againstthe face 5′ of the fiber-receiving element 3′. The first clampingelement half 73 is generally planar on one side and includes a fiberchannel 10′ along its entire longitudinal dimension and a bearingchannel 11′ also along its longitudinal dimension and spaced apart fromand parallel to the fiber channel 10′. The fiber channel 10′ furtherincludes a tapered lead-in to facilitate entry of a fiber. The crosssectional geometry of the fiber channel 10′ is a V-groove; however,other shapes such as semicircular or semi-rectangular are alsoappropriate. The cross sectional geometry of the bearing channel 11′ issemi-rectangular; however, other non-circular geometries are alsoappropriate. A second clamping element half 74 is hermaphroditic withthe first clamping element half 73 and is, therefore, similar indimension and structure to the first clamping element half 73 andincludes a mirror image of the fiber channel 10′ and bearing channel 11′on one of the sides. Alternatively, one of the clamping element halves73 or 74 may include the fiber and bearing channels 10′,11′ while theother may be generally planar on both sides. The first and secondclamping element halves 73,74 are positioned by bosses 75 andcomplementary recesses 76. The clamping element halves 73,74 are heldtogether by captivation between the fiber-receiving element 3′ and theholding plate 21′. The clamping elements 73,74 rest atop positioningledges 62 in the fiber-receiving element 3′ and holding plate 21′. Asone of ordinary skill appreciates, the fiber-receiving element 3′together with the first clamping element half 73 creates a structuresimilar in concept to the fiber-receiving element 3 as shown in FIGS. 1and 2 of the drawings. Similarly structured positioning bosses 75 andcomplementary recesses 76 are also found in the fiber-receiving element3′ and holding plate 21′. The fiber-receiving element 3′ and the holdingplate 21′ are made unitary by ultrasonic welding together along one edgeat energy director 63. The remaining three edges are free creating adouble cantilever spring structure between the fiber-receiving element3′ and the holding plate 21′. In a first alternate, a single U-shapedspring may be used to position and hold the holding plate 21′ biasedagainst the fiber-receiving element 3′ to create the double cantileverspring structure. In a second alternative, two U-shaped springs are usedover the first portion 22′ and third portion 79 respectively, eitheralone or in addition to the welded edge. As previously indicated theclamping element 73,73 and holding plate 21′ structure is repeated onboth sides of the fiber-receiving element 3′. The result, therefore,includes two independent double cantilever spring structures forreceiving and gripping one or more optical fibers. The fiber channel10′, created by the juxtaposition of the clamping elements 73,74, issized for receipt and retention of two spliced fibers. The spring forceof the cantilever spring structure clamps and retains the spliced fiberswithout damage to the fibers or compromise of the integrity of the lightcarrying capability of the fibers. The fiber-receiving element 3′assembled with the clamping elements 73,74 and the holding plate 21′includes the fiber channel 10′ appropriately dimensioned to receive andgrip a fiber and the bearing channel 11′ appropriately dimensioned toreceive the bearing tool 60 or 61 on either end of the splice assembly1′. As the bearing key 60 or 61 is inserted into the bearing channel 11′and rotated, it exerts a separating force between the fiber-receivingelement 3′ and holding plate 21 as well as the clamping element halves73,74. The free edges of the splice assembly 1′ permit resilientdisengagement of the second clamping element half 74 and holding plate21′ from the first clamping element half 73 and fiber-receiving element3′ in response to the separating force in the bearing channel 11′ of theclamping element halves 73,74. The amount of the separation of the partspermits free insertion and removal of a fiber within the fiber channel10′ but, does not exceed the elasticity of the holding plate 21 andclamping element 73,74 material. Consequently, upon removal of theseparating force by opposite rotation and removal of the bearing key 60or 61, the holding plate 21 and clamping element halves 73,74 return totheir original position relative to the fiber-receiving element 3′. Uponseparation of the holding plate 21 from the fiber-receiving element 3′and the simultaneous separation of the clamping element halves 73,74, afiber may be freely inserted and positioned in the fiber channel 10′.Due to the resiliency of the double cantilever spring structure, theholding plate 21 and clamping element halves 73,74 return to theiroriginal positions, clamping the installed fiber. The identicalstructure on the opposite side of the fiber-receiving element 3′ permitsindependent resilient disengagement and engagement of the holding plate21′ and clamping element 73,74 on both sides of the fiber-receivingelement 3′ in response to insertion and rotation of another one of thebearing key 60 or 61.

[0036] A first relief slot 77 is positioned in the holding plate 21′just adjacent to the clamping element halves 73,74 and isolates a firstportion 22′ of the holding plate 21′ from a second portion 23′ of theholding plate 21′. A second relief slot 78 is positioned in the holdingplate 21′ just adjacent to the clamping elements 73,74 and on a oppositeside of the clamping elements 73,74 from the first relief slot 77, andisolates the second portion 23′ from a third portion 79. Both the firstand second relief slots 77,78 extend transversely through the splice toa position just past the fiber channel 10′ leaving enough polymermaterial in tact so as not to compromise the unitary structure of thesplice assembly 1′ in its intended use. The first portion 22′ is closestto a non-mating end of the splice and is able to receive and clampeither a 900 micron diameter buffered fiber or a 250 micron diametercoated fiber. The central second portion 23′ of the splice covers theclamping element halves 73,74. The third portion of the splice 79 is ona ferrule side of the splice. The fiber channel 10′ in the clampingelement 73,74 is dimensioned to receive and grip the fiber and a shortlength of fiber termed a fiber stub(not shown). In the disclosedembodiment of the present invention, the fiber to be terminated to thejack is spliced to the fiber stub in the splice assembly 1′. Theopposite side of the fiber stub is terminated in ferrule 50′. The thirdportion 79 has a coating clamping element 40, which is dimensioned toreceive and grip the 250 micron diameter coated portion of the fiberstub. In order to effect the splice, opposite ends of the splice areseparated to receive the fiber and the fiber stub respectively. Due tothe structure of the embodiment, in some instances it is impractical toinsert a bearing tool 60 into an axial bearing channel from the side ofthe splice assembly 1′ closest to the ferrule 50′. An edge of the thirdportion 79 of the fiber-receiving element 3′ opposite the ultrasonicallywelded edge, therefore, includes a wedge lead-in 80. The wedge lead-in80 facilitates entry of a bearing wedge (not shown) between thefiber-receiving element 3′ and the holding plate 21′ to impart theseparating force on the third portion 79 from a direction perpendicularto the fiber channel 10′. As the wedge is urged between thefiber-receiving element 3′ and the holding plate 21′, the two piecesseparate to permit entry of the fiber stub into the splice assembly 1′.The second relief slot 78 allows the separation of the third portion 79and second portion 23′ to receive the fiber stub without affecting theclamping force of the first portion 22′ on the buffered fiber. Thesplice assembly 1′, therefore, independently retains or releases thefiber and fiber stub to be spliced. Further, upon receipt of the fiberin the splice assembly 1′, it is desirable for the spring force of thesplice in the first portion 22′ onto the buffered fiber or the coatedfiber be independent of the effect of the grip of the splice onto thefiber in the second portion 23′. When the splice receives the 900 microndiameter buffered fiber, the strength of the retention of the firstportion 22′ on the buffered fiber acts as a strain relief for the fiberretained in the clamping element 73,74. Accordingly, manufacturingtolerances in the size of the fiber channel 10′ in the first portion 21′relative to the buffered fiber diameter cause a variance in theseparation between the fiber-receiving element 3′ and the holding plate21′. Similarly, manufacturing tolerances in the size of the fiberchannel 10′ in the second portion 23′ relative to the coated fiberdiameter cause a variance in the separation between the fiber-receivingelement 3′ and the clamping element 73,74 together with the holdingplate 21′. Advantageously, the isolation of the first portion 22′ fromthe second portion 23′ permits independent clamping retention of thefirst portion 22′ from the second portion 23′. The second relief slot 78provides similar isolation between the third portion 79 and the secondportion 23′ of the splice. Coating stop element 41 comprises a block ofmaterial having an opening therein that is sized to permit insertion ofa 125 micron diameter bare fiber into the fiber channel 10′ of theclamping elements 73,74 and to not permit insertion of a 250 microndiameter coated fiber. Accordingly, the coating stop element 41 ensuresthat only 125 micron diameter bare fiber is received into the fiberchannel 10′.

[0037] The entire splice assembly 1′ is disposed in tub 81 of housing70′ in addition to pin keeper 82, guide pins 55′, and ferrule 50′. Theferrule 50′, pin keeper 82, and splice assembly 1′ are closely adjacenteach other within the tub 81. In the disclosed embodiment, the ferrule50′ is a duplex configuration and is terminated with two of the fiberstubs. Each fiber stub has a length of fiber exiting a non-mating end.Each fiber stub is received by a fiber passage 83 in the pin keeper 82.Each fiber stub further extends into the clamping element 73,74 of thesplice assembly 1′ for splicing with the fiber. Conventional fiber tofiber lateral spacing in the ferrule 50′ is constant and measuresapproximately 0.750 mm. The fiber to fiber lateral spacing as the fibersenter the splice assembly 1′ measures 2.280 mm. Accordingly, there is aneed for the fibers to transition from a smaller to larger lateralspacing within a fixed distance in a manner so as not to surpass a fiberminimum bend radius. In the disclosed embodiment, the transition occurswithin the pin keeper 82.

[0038] The pin keeper 82 receives two guide pins 55′, which are insertedinto guide pin holes in the ferrule 50′. In the disclosed embodiment,the guide pins 55′ have substantially the same diameter along most oftheir length and have a retention area comprising a short length ofreduced diameter. The reduced diameter portion creates two retentionflanges 57 opposite each other. The pin keeper 82 includes two retentionrecesses 58 for receipt of the reduced diameter portion of each guidepin 55′. Each retention recess 58 comprises an interference flange 59.The interference flange 59 and front face of the pin keeper 82 interferewith the retention flanges 57 to resist axial travel of the guide pin55′ relative to the pin keeper 82. Centrally disposed between the guidepins 55′ and extending the entire length of the pin keeper 82 is atleast one fiber passage 83 having a splay guide 84. Conceptually, thefiber passage or passages 83 taper from a first lateral spacingequivalent to the spacing in the ferrule 50′ to a second lateral spacingequivalent to the spacing in the splice assembly. The taper of the fiberpassage guides the fibers in the transition between the two differentlateral spacings without bending the fiber beyond its minimum bendradius. The pin keeper as disclosed herein is manufacturable byconventional polymer injection molding, casting, or compression moldingmethods.

[0039] As with the guide pin stand off as previously described, it isnot necessary that the pin keeper 82 hold two guide pins 55.Alternatively, the pin keeper 82 can hold one or no guide pins dependingupon the guide pin configuration of the mating connector. The pin keeper82 without guide pins 55 remains useful, however, in the feature ofsplaying the fiber ends from the first lateral dimension to the secondlateral dimension. The utility of the pin keeper is also retained inthat it maintains the distance between the splice assembly 1′ and theferrule 50′ that helps accommodate the amount of travel required tosplay the fibers without exceeding their minimum bend radius.

[0040] In the first specific embodiment as shown in FIGS. 17-21 of thedrawings, the fiber passage 83 is a single passage extending through thepin keeper 82. The fiber passage 83 has a first lateral dimension 85slightly larger than the fiber to fiber spacing of the ferrule 50′ on aside positioned closest to the ferrule 50′ and a second lateraldimension 86 larger than the fiber to fiber lateral spacing of thesplice assembly 1′. The fiber passage 83 tapers to the first lateraldimension 85 from a slightly wider dimension in order to accommodate anepoxy bead that occasionally collects at the non-mating end of theferrule 50′ under practical use. In this way, the ferrule 50′ is able tosit flush against the pin keeper 82 for repeatable positioning. Thewidth of the fiber passage 83 gently tapers from the first lateraldimension 85 to the second lateral dimension 86. The splay guide 84 ispositioned central to the fiber passage 83, closest to the ferrule 50′and is cylindrical. One side of the pin keeper includes an uncoveredarea permitting visual access to the splayed fibers. The uncovered areais delimited by two bridges 63 to provide mechanical strength andstability to the unit during guide pin assembly and handling. The pinkeeper 82 aids installation of the fiber stub into the splice assembly 1by receiving the fiber stubs into the fiber passage 83 and on oppositesides of the splay guides 84. The fiber stubs rest tangentially againstthe splay guide 84, thereby being directed outwardly from each other.The guide pins 55 in the pin keeper 82 are aligned with guide pin holes49 in the ferrule 50′. As the pin keeper 82 is brought closer to theferrule 50′, the guides pins 55 are further inserted into the guide pinholes and the fiber stubs are urged laterally outwardly by the splayguide 84. Inner walls 87 of the fiber passage 83 define an outer limitof the extent of the splaying of the fiber stubs. In operation, however,the fiber stubs very infrequently reach the outer limit and engage theinner walls 87. Under intended use, the fiber stubs are directedoutwardly some distance less than the second lateral dimension 86 andapproximately equal to the fiber to fiber spacing of the splice assembly1′. The fiber stubs so positioned are ready for receipt into the fiberchannels 10′ of the splice assembly 1′. For purposes of assembly, a sidewall 88 of the pin keeper 82 includes two retention channels, eachretention channel defining opposite flanges 97 therein.

[0041] In the specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 22-24 of the drawings,the fiber passage 83 is a single passage extending through the pinkeeper 82. The fiber passage 83 has a first lateral dimension 85slightly larger than the fiber to fiber spacing of the ferrule 50′ on aside positioned closest to the ferrule 50′ and a second lateraldimension 86 larger than the fiber to fiber lateral spacing of thesplice assembly 1. The width of the fiber passage 83 gently tapers fromthe first lateral dimension 85 to the second lateral dimension 86. Inthis embodiment, the splay guide 84 is an elastomeric button that isinserted into the pin keeper after insertion of the fibers. The splayguide 84 is disposed central to the fiber passage 83, closest to thesplice assembly 1′ and extends approximately halfway through the fiberpassage 83. The splay guide 84 is generally cylindrical with twodifferent diameters as shown in FIG. 22 of the drawings. The pin keeper82 aids installation of the fiber stub into the splice assembly 1 byreceiving the fiber pigtails into the fiber passage 83. The splay guideis inserted into the pin keeper allowing the fibers to protrude from thepin keeper on either side of the splay guide 84. Inner walls 87 of thefiber passage 83 define an outer limit of the extent of the splaying ofthe fiber stubs. Under normal conditions, however, the fiber stubs donot splay so far outwardly that they engage the inner walls 87. As theferrule 50′ is positioned flush against the pin keeper 82, the fiberstubs reach the extent of the splay defined by the splay guide 84. Thefiber stubs so positioned are ready for receipt into the fiber channels10′ of the splice assembly 1′. For purposes of assembly, a side wall 88of the pin keeper 82 includes two retention channels, each retentionchannel defining opposite flanges 97 therein.

[0042] In the specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-27 of the drawings,the fiber passage 83 comprises two separate passages extending throughthe pin keeper 82. One of the fiber passages 83 is accessed on a topside of the pin keeper 82 and another of the fiber passages 83 isaccessed on a bottom side of the pin keeper 82. The fiber passages 83are laterally spaced apart a distance defined by the first lateraldimension 85 closest to the ferrule 50′, and is approximately equal tothe fiber to fiber spacing of the ferrule 50′. The fiber passages 83 arelaterally spaced apart a distance defined by the second lateraldimension 86 closest to the splice assembly 1′ and is approximatelyequal to the fiber to fiber lateral spacing of the splice assembly 1′.The width of each of the fiber passages 83 remain constant and thelateral spacing of the fiber passages 83 tapers from a positionconsistent with the first lateral dimension 85 to a position consistentwith the second lateral dimension 86. The splay guide 84 is positionedbetween the fiber passages 83, and comprises the portion of the pinkeeper 82 between the fiber passages 83 that delineates one passage fromthe other, thereby extending through the entire length of the pin keeper82. The pin keeper 82 aids installation of the fiber stub into thesplice assembly 1 by full placement of each fiber stub into each fiberpassage 83 from a top side 89 and bottom side 90, respectively. Thisparticular embodiment is different from the other embodiments disclosedin that the fiber stubs are initially threaded through the passage, butare inserted from the top and bottom sides 89,90. The guide pins 55 inthe pin keeper 82 are aligned with guide pin bores 49′ in the ferrule50′. As the pin keeper 82 is brought closer to the ferrule 50′, theguides pins 55 are further inserted into the guide pin bores 49′ and thefiber stubs are positioned on opposite sides of the splay guide 84. Asthe pin keeper 82 is brought closer to the ferrule, the splay guide 84urges the fiber stubs laterally outwardly. The inner walls 87 of thefiber passage 83 direct the extent of the splaying of the fiber stubs.The fiber stubs so positioned are ready for receipt into the fiberchannels 10′ of the splice assembly 1′. For purposes of assembly, a sidewall 88 of the pin keeper 82 includes two retention channels, eachretention channel defining opposite flanges 97 therein.

[0043] Assembly of the splice assembly 1′ and ferrule 50′ to the housingcomprises the following steps: the ferrule 50′ is terminated with alength of fiber cable (referred to herein as ‘the fiber stub’) and aferrule end face 52′ is polished. In the illustrated embodiments, theferrule 50′ shown is a duplex array ferrule. Accordingly, the fiber stubis a fiber ribbon comprising two fibers. The fiber stub is cut to lengthand thermally stripped according to conventional practice. The strippedfiber stub is cleaved, and the terminated ferrule 50′ and each fiber inthe fiber stub is fully inserted into the pin keeper 82 having the guidepins 55 installed. The pin keeper 82 is positioned flush against theferrule 50′, thereby splaying the fiber stubs to an appropriatedimension for receipt by the splice assembly 1′. Using two short bearingkeys 60, inserted and rotated in the bearing channels 11′, the second,and third portions 23′, and 79 of the splice assembly 1′ are separatedand each fiber in the fiber stub is inserted into each fiber channel10′. The fiber stubs are fully inserted into the splice assembly 1′, andan end of each fiber stub is positioned within each clamping element73,74 as the pin keeper 82 is positioned adjacent the splice assembly1′. The bearing keys 60 are then rotated and removed from the bearingchannels 11′ to permit the splice assembly 1′ to clamp and grip thefiber stubs. The ferrule 50′, pin keeper 82, and splice assembly 1′ isthen slid into position in the tub 81 of the housing 70′. The spliceassembly 1′ includes an alignment rail 31′ comprising an area ofincreased thickness along an edge of the splice assembly 1′. The tub 81includes an alignment channel 42 dimensioned for receipt of thealignment rail 31′ of the splice assembly 1′. The tub 81 receivesferrule 50, pin keeper 82, and the splice assembly 1′ until retentionbarb 95 releases into retention notch 96. A retaining clip 91 comprisinga retention fork 92 unitary with a retention prong 93 is inserted intoapertures in the housing 70′. The retention fork 92 is received by theretention channels in the pin keeper 82 and engages the opposite flanges97 to resist displacement of the pin keeper 82 relative to the tub 81.The retaining prong 93 is received by a retention well 98 in thefiber-receiving element 3′. Accordingly, the retaining clip 91 holds thepin keeper 82 and splice assembly 1′ together in juxtaposed relationshipand secures the splice assembly 1′ and pin keeper 82 to the housing 70.The wedge tool (not shown) may be inserted through wedge windows 99 toengage wedge lead-in 80. Further insertion of the wedge tool into thewedge lead-in operates to release the holding plate 21′ from thefiber-receiving element 3′. Simultaneously, a long bearing key 61 isinserted into the splice to release the spring force of the clampingelements 73,74 and allows the fiber stub to align and position itselfwithin the clamping elements 73,74. Once aligned, the wedge tool isremoved and the bearing key 61 is rotated and removed. This step of theassembly relieves any bending of the fiber stub at any point between theferrule 50′ and the splice assembly 1′ that may have occurred duringassembly.

[0044] Other advantages of the invention are apparent from the detaileddescription by way of example and from accompanying drawings and fromthe spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A fiber optic splice assembly comprising: a fiber-receiving elementhaving opposite faces, first and second ends, and first and secondsides, each said face having at least one elongate fiber channel and anelongate bearing channel, a clamping element having a clamping face anda spring face opposite each other, first and second sides, said clampingelement covering at least a portion of each elongate fiber and bearingchannel, and a splice spring for imparting opposing normal forces onsaid spring faces of said clamping elements and along the first side ofsaid fiber-receiving element, said spring permitting independentresilient disengagement of each of said clamping faces from saidfiber-receiving element face.
 2. A fiber optic splice assembly asrecited in claim 1 wherein said first and second ends of saidfiber-receiving element have a first length and said first and secondends of said clamping elements have a second length, said first lengthbeing greater than said second length.
 3. A fiber optic splice assemblyas recited in claim 1 and further comprising a holding block captivatingsaid fiber-receiving element and said clamping elements, and positioningsaid splice spring.
 4. A fiber optic splice assembly as recited in claim3 , said elongate fiber channel creating a first fiber entrance on saidfirst end and said elongate bearing channel creating an actuationaperture on said first side, said holding block further comprising afirst portion for receiving said fiber-receiving element and saidclamping elements and a second portion comprising a buffer clampingelement aligned with said fiber entrance and an actuation apertureaccess aligned with said actuation aperture.
 5. A fiber optic spliceassembly as recited in claim 4 said first portion of said holding blockreceiving said splice spring and being at least partially isolated fromsaid second portion of said holding block.
 6. A fiber optic spliceassembly as recited in claim 5 , said second portion of said holdingblock receiving a second spring.
 7. A fiber optic splice assembly asrecited in claim 1 wherein said fiber channel comprises a V-groove.
 8. Afiber optic splice assembly as recited in claim 1 , said fiber channelcreating a second fiber entrance on said second end, and furthercomprising a duplex fiber ferrule having two fiber-receiving bores, saidfiber-receiving bores aligned with said second fiber entrance.
 9. Afiber optic splice assembly as recited in claim 8 , said ferrule havinga mating face, said splice element further comprising a fiber stubdisposed in each bore in said ferrule and extending from said matingface of said ferrule to said fiber channel in said fiber-receivingelement.
 10. A fiber optic splice assembly as recited in claim 9 andfurther comprising index matching gel disposed in said fiber channel.11. A fiber optic connector comprising: a housing, a fiber optic splicecomprising a fiber-receiving element having opposite faces, first andsecond ends, and first and second sides, each said face having at leastone elongate fiber channel extending from said first end to said secondend and creating first and second fiber entrances on said first andsecond end respectively, said face also having an elongate bearingchannel extending from said first side, said splice further comprising aclamping element having a clamping face and a spring face opposite eachother and first and second sides, said clamping element covering atleast a portion of each elongate fiber and bearing channel, a splicespring for imparting opposing normal forces on said spring faces of saidclamping elements and along the first side of said fiber-receivingelement, said spring permitting independent resilient disengagement ofeach of said clamping faces from said fiber-receiving element face, anda fiber array ferrule having at least two fiber-receiving bores, saidhousing retaining the splice and the ferrule.
 12. A fiber opticconnector as recited in claim 11 , said ferrule having a mating face,said connector further comprising a fiber in each bore of said ferrule,said fiber extending from said mating face of said ferrule to said fiberchannel in said splice.
 13. A fiber optic connector as recited in claim11 , and further comprising a holding block captivating saidfiber-receiving element and said clamping elements, and positioning saidsplice spring.
 14. A fiber optic connector as recited in claim 13 , saidelongate fiber channel creating a first fiber entrance on said first endand said elongate bearing channel creating an actuation aperture on saidfirst end, said holding block further comprising a first portion forreceiving said fiber-receiving element and said clamping elements and asecond portion comprising a buffer clamping element aligned with saidfiber entrance and an actuation aperture access aligned with saidactuation aperture.
 15. A fiber optic connector as recited in claim 14said first portion of said holding block receiving said splice springand being at least partially isolated from said second portion of saidholding block.
 16. A fiber optic connector as recited in claim 15 , saidsecond portion of said holding block receiving a second spring.
 17. Afiber optic connector as recited in claim 11 wherein said fiber channelcomprises a V-groove.
 18. A fiber optic connector as recited in claim 11wherein said first and second ends of said fiber-receiving element havea first length and said first and second ends of said clamping elementshave a second length, said first length being greater than said secondlength.
 19. A fiber optic connector as recited in claim 11 , the housingfurther comprising a ferrule alignment housing having a ferrulealignment channel in which the mating face of the ferrule is receivedinternal to the channel and further comprising a mating ferrule alsoreceived within the alignment channel.
 20. A fiber optic apparatuscomprising: a housing, a splicer disposed in the housing and receivingat least two fiber stubs, the splicer independently actuating at leasttwo fibers for light transmissive interconnection with respective onesof the fiber stubs, and a fiber array ferrule disposed in the housingfor terminating said two fiber stubs.
 21. A fiber optic apparatus asrecited in claim 20 wherein said housing provides a separable interfaceto a mating fiber optic connector.
 22. A fiber optic apparatus asrecited in claim 20 wherein said housing retains a fiber optic devicethat is in communication with at least one of said fiber stubs.
 23. Afiber optic apparatus as recited in claim 20 and further comprising apin keeper disposed between said splicer and said fiber array ferruleand through which said fiber stubs pass.
 24. A fiber optic apparatus asrecited in claim 21 wherein said pin keeper splays said fiber stubs froma first lateral dimension to a second lateral dimension.
 25. A fiberoptic apparatus as recited in claim 20 and further comprising a pinkeeper and a retaining clip, wherein said retaining clip engages thehousing, the pin keeper, and the splicer to maintain relativepositioning of the splicer, the housing, and the pin keeper.
 26. A fiberoptic apparatus as recited in claim 20 , wherein the housing furthercomprises a tub on which the splicer is disposed, the tub comprisingthree sides, an alignment flange extending from each of two of the sidescreating an alignment channel, the splicer further comprising an edgehaving increased thickness relative to the remainder of the splicecreating an alignment rail, the alignment rail being received by thealignment channel.
 27. A fiber optic apparatus as recited in claim 26 ,the tub further comprising a retention barb on one side, the edge of thesplice further comprising a relieved area into which the retention barbis received.
 28. A fiber optic apparatus as recited in claim 20 , thesplicer further comprising a fiber-receiving element having oppositefaces, each said face including a fiber channel and a bearing channel, aholding plate held against each face and being unitary with saidfiber-receiving element along an edge, a clamping element disposedbetween said fiber-receiving element and each said holding plate, saidfiber-receiving element independently accepting at least one splicingfiber for light transmissive interengagement with said fiber stub.
 29. Afiber optic apparatus comprising a housing (70,70′) including provisionfor making a separable connection to a mating fiber optic connector, asplicer (1,1′) received by the housing (70,70′), a fiber stub having amating end and a splicing end, a ferrule (50,50′) holding the matingend, the splicer (1,1′) comprising a fiber-receiving element (3,3′) anda holding element (21,21′) and holding the splicing end of the fiberstub between said fiber-receiving element (3,3′) and said holdingelement (21,21′), the splicer accepting a splicing fiber by resilientdisengagement of the holding element (21,21′) from the fiber-receivingelement (3,3′) characterized in that there is a holding element (21,21′)on two sides of said fiber-receiving element (3,3′) for independentresilient disengagement of each holding element (21,21′) and, therefore,independent acceptance of at least two splicing fibers.
 30. A fiberoptic apparatus as recited in claim 29 wherein a bearing tool (60,61) isinserted between said fiber-receiving element (3,3′) and said holdingelement (21,21′) to provide a separating force and disengagement of oneof said holding elements (21,21′) from said fiber-receiving element(3,3′).
 31. A fiber optic apparatus as recited in claim 29 and furthercomprising a clamping element (73,74) disposed between saidfiber-receiving element (3,3′) and said holding element (21,21′) forreceiving and clamping said fiber stub and said splicing fiber.
 32. Afiber optic apparatus as recited in claim 31 the splicer furtherincluding a relief slot (77,78) in said holding element (21,21′) onopposite sides of said clamping element (73,74).
 33. A fiber opticapparatus as recited in claim 29 and further comprising a pin keeper(82) disposed between said ferrule (50,50′) and said splicer (1,1′) andthrough which said fiber stubs pass.
 34. A fiber optic apparatus asrecited in claim 33 , the pin keeper (82) splaying the fiber stubs froma first lateral dimension (85) to a second lateral dimension (86).
 35. Afiber optic apparatus as recited in claim 29 and further comprising apin keeper (82) and a retaining clip (91), wherein the retaining clip(91) engages the housing (70′), the pin keeper (82) and the splicer (1′)to maintain relative positioning of the splicer (1′), the housing (70′),and the pin keeper (70′).
 36. A fiber optic apparatus as recited inclaim 35 wherein the pin keeper (82) splays the fiber stubs from a firstlateral dimension to a second lateral dimension.
 37. A fiber opticapparatus as recited in claim 29 wherein the housing (70′) furthercomprises a tub (81) on which the splicer (1′) is disposed, the tub (81)comprising three sides, an alignment flange extending from each of twoof the sides creating an alignment channel (42′), the splicer (1′)further comprising an edge having increased thickness relative to theremainder of the splice (1′) creating an alignment rail (31′) which isreceived by the alignment channel (42′).
 38. A fiber optic apparatus asrecited in claim 37 , the tub (81) further comprising a retention barb(95) on one of the sides, an edge of the splice further comprising arelieved area into which the retention barb (95) is received.
 39. Afiber optic apparatus as recited in claim 29 , the fiber-receivingelement (3,3′) being made unitary with the two holding elements (21,21′)along one of their respective edges.
 40. A fiber optic apparatus asrecited in claim 39 , wherein a clamping element (14,73,74) is disposedbetween said fiber-receiving element (3,3′) and each of said holdingelements (21,21′).